Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Supreme Court Proposes National Legal Academy for Continuing Legal Education
The Supreme Court of India has suggested creating a National Legal Academy to provide ongoing education for lawyers.
This idea comes from a recent court case where the judges saw that lawyers need to keep learning new laws and skills.
In the past, India had a system where new lawyers had to train under senior lawyers, but this was removed in 1973.
Since then, there hasn't been a good way for lawyers to get more training after they start working.
Some people think this new academy is a good idea because it will help lawyers stay up-to-date and improve their skills.
Others worry that it might be too hard for new lawyers who are already struggling to make money.
The academy could offer classes, workshops, and other programs to help lawyers learn throughout their careers.
This could make the legal profession stronger and help people trust lawyers more.
The Supreme Court proposed a National Legal Academy for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) in a recent judgment.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has been directed to form a committee to create a framework for the academy.
India has lacked a structured post-enrolment training system since the removal of the apprenticeship system in 1973.
The debate on CLE involves balancing the need for professional development with the challenges faced by young advocates.
Several initiatives, such as the M K Nambiar Academy and the Rajiv Gandhi Advocate’s Training Scheme, have been taken to promote CLE in India.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Bar Council of India (BCI), Advocates
- What
- Proposal for a National Legal Academy for Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
- When
- Recent judgment in Ajay Vijh v. Indian Banks Association & Others
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address the lack of structured post-enrolment education and professional development for advocates
Proponents of CLE
Critics of CLE
Need for Professional Development
Proponents of CLE
Proponents argue that continuing legal education is essential for maintaining professional standards and keeping up with changes in law and technology.
Critics of CLE
Critics contend that mandatory CLE could impose unnecessary financial and time burdens on young advocates, making it harder for them to establish their careers.
Accessibility and Support
Proponents of CLE
Supporters believe that CLE should be supportive and accessible, encouraging lifelong learning and professional excellence.
Critics of CLE
Opponents worry that restrictive regulations could make it more difficult for young lawyers to sustain themselves, given the lack of immediate financial security in the legal profession.
- Supreme Court Judgment
- Ajay Vijh v. Indian Banks Association & Others
- Proposed Institution
- National Legal Academy (NLA)
- Bar Council of India Directive
- To constitute a committee for preparing a framework for the NLA
- Advocates Act, 1961
- Section 24(1)(d) required apprenticeship under senior advocates before enrolment, removed in 1973
- Training Rules, 1995
- Mandatory pre-enrolment training, struck down by the Supreme Court in V. Sudeer v. BCI
- All India Bar Examination
- Introduced to ensure minimum professional competence
- M K Nambiar Academy
- India’s first institution dedicated to continuing legal education, established in 2015
- Rajiv Gandhi Advocate’s Training Scheme
- Introduced by the Government of India for advocate training